The Burkinabé government has taken a significant step towards ratifying a United Nations treaty on ocean conservation. On November 2, 2026, Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré appeared before the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security Committee to discuss the country's potential accession to the treaty. The agreement, adopted in New York on June 19, 2023, aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The treaty seeks to provide landlocked countries like Burkina Faso with a voice in the governance of international waters. Minister Traoré emphasized that the agreement would enable the country to participate in the management of this shared heritage and work with coastal nations to protect the ecosystem. This move is expected to help mitigate the effects of climate change. By joining the treaty, the Burkinabé government hopes to strengthen its scientific cooperation and benefit from the agreement alongside other signatory states.
Committee members raised concerns about the benefits Burkina Faso could derive from the treaty, given its landlocked location. Minister Traoré addressed these concerns, highlighting the potential for fair and equitable sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits from the exploitation of the high seas. The treaty would also provide opportunities for Burkinabé researchers to engage in programs contributing to climate regulation and conservation of marine flora and fauna.
The treaty aims to regulate the high seas, often considered a lawless area prone to pollution. Minister Traoré stressed the need for mechanisms to better manage this space and ensure a safer future for the planet. By ratifying the treaty, Burkina Faso intends to contribute to the conservation of marine biodiversity and promote sustainable use of ocean resources.
Following the hearing and general debate, the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security Committee approved the ratification of the treaty. The bill will be presented to the National Assembly in plenary session on November 10, 2026. Once ratified, the government will take concrete measures to identify and prioritize projects marking the entry into force of the agreement.
The internalization of the treaty at the national level is planned for 2026. The government will work to identify a portfolio of priority projects, ensuring the effective implementation of the agreement. This move is expected to enhance Burkina Faso's cooperation with other nations in the conservation of marine biodiversity.
The ratification of the UN ocean treaty marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable use of ocean resources and conservation of marine biodiversity. The agreement is expected to come into force once ratified, enabling Burkina Faso to participate in the governance of international waters and contribute to the protection of the ecosystem.
Key points
- The treaty offers landlocked countries like Burkina Faso a voice in the governance of international waters.
- The agreement aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
- The ratification of the treaty is expected to enhance Burkina Faso's cooperation with other nations in ocean conservation.
